Jackie 'O' Henderson opens up about private battle with drug addiction

KIIS FM radio star Jackie O has opened up about her private battle with a lengthy drug and alcohol addiction and her breakthrough recovery live on air.

The 49-year-old read the prologue of her upcoming memoir this morning, when she broke down and told listeners of her addiction to painkillers, sleeping pills and alcohol.

"I was in a really, really dark place," she said.

"That's what the addiction to your brain, it changes your way of thinking. It doesn't want you to get help, it's so powerful."

She made the decision to check herself into the world-famous Betty Ford Clinic in California in November 2022.

At the time, she told listeners she contracted long COVID and would take a lengthy leave to focus on her health.

Jackie said she didn't want to tell anyone of her addiction until she had achieved at least a year of sobriety. 

Only her manager, personal assistant and parents knew what was going on. 

Her radio show co-host, Kyle Sandilands, extended family and close friends were kept in the dark about her addiction.

National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.